Sashiko and Kantha Style Mending with Indigo Textiles

Andrea Varga

Tuesday & Wednesday, January 9-10

1-4pm

Heinen Design Lab

$125, $110 mbrs.

Engage in the sustainable, restorative practice of visible mending in the traditions of Japanese Sashiko and Indian Kantha stitching with indigo dyed textiles and threads. This hands-on workshop will focus on beginner tips as well as artistic approaches for mending as both practical and artful. A brief history of indigo dyes, natural fabrics and repair traditions will provide a foundation for using sustainable, traditional materials for this mending style. Simple, traditional sewing techniques combined with individual ingenuity will allow for creative, original results.

All materials and tools needed are provided by the instructor, but students are welcome to bring clothing or household items of their own to work on, including any sewing tools. All levels welcome from beginner through advanced. No sewing experience needed.

Andrea Varga is an Associate Professor of Theatre Design at SUNY New Paltz. She holds an MFA in Design from Florida State University and has worked as a costume designer and assistant designer on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in television and academia. As an educator and artist, Varga works to incorporate sustainability education and practice into her craft, courses, lectures and leadership on campus and in her community. Her work is informed by years of doing laundry for theatre, working with and in the fashion industry, and growing up in a conservation-minded and activist household. She firmly believes that change can be made by individuals, and that optimism is the way forward.

sponsored by Strunk Ace Hardware